Agricultural News

Weed Specialist Misha Manchehri Gives New CoAXium Wheat Production System Stamp of Approval

Tue, 14 May 2019 15:11:08 CDT

Producers are starting to learn about a new wheat production system called CoAXium, a simple, cost-effective production system that combines elite wheat varieties from the world’s best breeding programs, a patented non-GMO herbicide-tolerance trait and a new post-emergent ACCase grass herbicide that will be combined with an industry-wide stewardship program. The system uses the new Aggressor herbicide to control winter annual grasses in wheat fields. This is the first new herbicide tolerant system wheat producers have seen since Clearfield was introduced over 15 years ago. During the recent Lahoma Field Day hosted by Oklahoma State University, Extension Weed Specialist Dr. Misha Manuchehri updated producers on this new system and how it might benefit their operations. She shared some of that same advice with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays earlier that day. You can hear her complete interview with Hays by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page.

At present, Manuchehri says the system has only a limited number of varieties it is compatible with but is likely to expand in the near future.

“OSU has signed a licensing agreement so we will eventually see the technology in OSU germplasm which we of course are excited about,” she said. “Right now though, the system utilizes the herbicide active ingredient Quizalofop. It is an ACCase herbicide and only kills grasses once they are emerged - so, it’s a post-emergence product.”

Given the weed profile here in the state, Manuchehri says this system should prove very effective against most weeds here in Oklahoma - especially things Italian ryegrass and brome. Although, this year has had only light weed pressure despite the ample moisture that has accumulated this spring.

“We’ve definitely had the moisture and definitely had the emergence. But the one good thing about having weeds that are actively growing, is any time we spray an herbicide at the right rate, at the right time - we usually get a good kill,” she remarked. “So, I am hearing from producers that this product looked really good this year and I think that’s because of the growing conditions we’ve had.”

As always, herbicide resistance is constantly in the back of Manuchehri’s mind. In Oklahoma, the issue isn’t quite as problematic as it is in other parts of the country. But it is something she says we must be vigilant about and proactively work to avoid promulgating it.

“We are on the watch for ACC resistance, but I’ve not yet documented that in Oklahoma,” she said. “Herbicides are definitely a tool, but we need to look beyond them and focus some of our attention on cultural practices… like rotation. Rotation is critically important. We don’t always want to rotate but it usually pays off when we do.”

You can listen to her complete interview with Hays by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below.